Often the most difficult task for foreigners in Greece is ordering food. One can squeak by not knowing any Greek as all locations tourists visit have fluent level English speakers. This is because they rely on speaking English for work purposes for the summer months and fall tourist season. But what if one ventures to Greece in the offseason? How will they survive? What is the most difficult task of them all as an outsider? Ordering food.
It is hard not to love the food here as a foreigner. Specifically, in the UK and USA, both nations that do not have their own cuisine or a very good one as well. Whenever I hear from an American what their favorite part of Greece was, it is almost always the food (no surprises here). Fresh meats and vegetables, bakery pastry’s, and fresh bread are not really existent in those Nations, so when they come to Greece, they’re in for a real treat. Aside from our high carb and sugar filled foods one can nosh on our many seafood dishes, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables as well. Because there are so many dishes that exist here that are not in the UK or USA, the most difficult thing travelers face when coming here is what to order on the menu. With a high quantity of delicious food and short amount of time they come on vacation, it is hard for them to have tried it all. That being said, when time quenched, what should a tourist try?
In order it goes seafood, bakery pastries or pies, traditional food (mousaka or souvalaki). Greece has the most beautiful nautical scenery in the world, and in fact the freshest seafood too. It is part of our culture and values to have fresh food, and our nation is very close with our nature, especially the sea. Large portions of seafood can be bought for much less money than another destination, and taste better too. Greeks do two things better than any other culture: seafood and roasted lamb. But let’s just focus on seafood for now. The bakeries here make the best pies, breads, sandwiches, cakes, etc… You must go to them. Do not order a spanokopita, that is a regular spinach pie that although popular, can be manipulated anywhere. Get something unique, such as a kreakopita, kotopita, or a freshly made pastry like bouler (I think thats how you spell it in English). Again, when you are here for a short time, enjoy the things that are not made outside of Greece, even if it is in Astoria, Queens. I have not encountered a kreakopita in Astoria, if you get my point. Lastly, try our mousaka. It is a tasty dish many Americans in particular are attracted to, so to check the box off the bucket list, try one of our famous dishes.
So where does one find a bakery, seafood restaurant, or taverna? Literally, at every corner no matter what part of Greece you are in. Greeks value eating out and food perhaps more than any culture, so finding one is not the hard part, it is choosing one out of thousands. Never judge a restaurant by the outside as in Greece our infastrucutre does not determine how how quality of a dining expeirience you will have. What I suggest is to pick a random one in each area of town or the city and depending on the vibe and food you get, go from there. This statement applies to everything, bakeries, taverna’s, restaurants, and much more. Once you become a familiar face and if you are respectful, the locals can point you in a direction of where they go to eat too.
I hope you read this article without becoming too hungry. Please continue to read and leave suggestions in my contact form, or email me. Bye for now.
SKG.7 